As the distance program director for Conners Clinic, I have often worked in home or hospital settings with patients unable to consume food orally. In most of these circumstances, families and caretakers are surprised to learn that homemade PEG food is fairly easy to make and much, much healthier than any pre-made formula. In addition, homemade enteral food is typically made with fresher ingredients, guaranteeing higher nutrient density and better absorption rates.

Traditional PEG Tube meals primarily focus on the three macro nutrient categories: Carbohydrates, Proteins & Fats. The second focus is to deliver the highest amount of calories based-upon the patient’s age or daily caloric needs. If you don’t know the caloric intake needs of your patient/loved-one, Www.ClinCalc.com/Nutrition/EnteralNutrition provides an online calculator for easy estimation.

The following is a DIY formula for families/caretakers wanting to provide the best form of homemade enteral food to their patients & loved-ones. The recipe is laid-out per individual feeding, and all products with links are available on the Conners Clinic web store.

Ingredients

Proteins & Carbohydrates:

  • ProteinXYM, 1 scoop {100 calories} – Plant-based protein powder with digestive enzymes, available in Chocolate & Vanilla
  • Greens First, 1 scoop {60 calories} – Full-spectrum multivitamin, available in Chocolate, Vanilla & Berry
  • SunSpectrum, 1 scoop {10 calories} – PreBiotic, ProBiotic, Fiber, Anti-Inflammatory & CoQ10

Fats:

  • Liquid Coconut Oil, 1 Tbs {130 calories}
  • Nut/Hemp Milk, unsweetened, 1 Cup {50 calories}
  • Avocado, pureed, 1 Tbs {90 calories}

Key Supplement Support:

Each of these supplements can be added to any PEG formula to help improve organ function, nutrient absorption, and immune support.

  • Liver ND, ½ tsp – supports healthy liver function
  • Barosma Complex, ½ tsp – supports healthy urinary tract function
  • Evolv Entourage2 CBD oil, ½ dropper – endocannabinoid & immune support
  • Clear D Liquid, ½ dropper – vitamin D & K2
  • SBI Protect, 1 scoop – supports GI health and promotes nutrient absorption
  • Asea REDOX – 1 cap-full – liquid mineral supplement and cellular support

Directions:

  1. Add recommended dosage of each ingredient into a blender or mixer {shaker bottles are not recommended because they do not have the power to reduce clumping powders, which can clog PEG tubes}.
  2. Blend ingredients until mixture is completely smooth. Add more nut milk or filtered water until desired thickness is achieved. Be mindful of any clumps, either remove or blend again.
  3. Pour Ingredients into PEG syringe and administer to patient per feeding directions {Most PEG feedings require priming the tube with filtered water before administering food, be mindful of this step to prevent clogging}.

Estimated Calories per Feeding: 440 calories